Introduction
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related tumor, rapidly progressive. This once rare tumor, is showing an increasing incidence worldwide according to extensive mining, whose peak was in the 1970s. At present, although asbestos-related activities have been restricted in most countries, the enormous historical production and use of asbestos in the form of various building materials and commercial products have resulted in millions of people exposed to asbestos with a proportion of them currently having asbestos-related diseases. In Canada, mineral exploration and export of asbestos to developing countries is still valid.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma occurs in the fourth to sixth decades of life. There is a preponderance to the male. It is believed that this is caused by occupational exposure to asbestos. In Canada, there is a growing trend in the number of men who receive diagnoses of mesothelioma every year. In 2003, there were 344 diagnoses registered a marked increase of the 153 recorded in 1984. A Scottish study reported that the cost of hospital care associated with treatment of 100 patients who died from asbestos-related mesothelioma in 2000, was £ 942,038. This is a huge figure for any health system.
Mesothelioma originates in the serous surfaces, mainly in the pleura (70%) and peritoneum (30%). Other rare locations include the tunica virginals testis and pericardium. This article focuses on current concepts about peritoneal mesothelioma and provides physicians with an improved understanding of this condition.
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